Ragland to be published, receives corporate commission

FALLBROOK — Local artist Jack Ragland was grateful to come in third out of more than 3,500 entrants in the recent national Next Great American Artist Contest. Of course, he had hoped to win and have his painting published and promoted worldwide. He was consoling himself, thinking third wasn’t too bad. Then, about three weeks ago, he received an e-mail from Galaxy of Graphics Publishers saying that because the first three places were so close in the voting, they decided to publish all three.

The art director called Ragland and said they were “very impressed” with the work on his Web site – and if this image sells, they will do more.

After that, the CEO of a company in Stockton, CA, saw one of Jack’s award-winning images of running horses and commissioned him to do a variation of the 36”x48” painting and make it 5’x9’ to fit a special spot in one of his corporation headquarters.

“After working hard at my art all my life, it is so gratifying that more and more people find my works inspiring enough to want to live with them in their homes and businesses,” Ragland said. “I read an article recently that stated that surrounding yourself with artworks you love actually boosts your immune system.”